Fishbone Stitch Embroidery Tutorial (Step-by-Step Guide)

Fishbone stitch is a filling stitch commonly used for creating realistic embroidery leaves, feathers, and textured designs, thanks to its distinctive raised center vein and dense filling effect. Learn how to do this stitch with this easy embroidery tutorial.

What Is Fishbone Stitch?

Fishbone stitch is an embroidery filling stitch commonly used for leaves, feathers, and other pointed shapes. This textured stitch produces a dense, realistic finish without needing to add the center vein separately, making it one of the most popular stitches for embroidered foliage.

See how this stitch compares with others in my embroidery stitches guide.

Supplies

• Embroidery Hoop or Frame: The fish bone stitch, like most other embroidery stitches, is best done in a hoop or frame to hold the fabric tight. The frame can be small and can be moved around on a larger piece of fabric.
• Embroidery Thread: I have used a 6-strand embroidery floss for my samples. If you want a finer look, you can use fewer strands. Obviously, it will take you longer to sew with a thinner thread, but embroidery is a relaxing hobby, so this may suit your patience level.
• Embroidery Needle: The needle should suit the fabric you are using and the thickness of your thread.

How to Do a Fishbone Stitch (Step-by-Step)

1. Start the Fishbone Stitch

Bring your needle and thread out at point (1) near the top tip of the design. Point (1) lies directly on your center line. Then, put the needle through the point (2) to make a single small, straight stitch. Point (2) lies at the very tip of your design.

2. Create the Point of Leaf

Bring the needle out at point (3) close to the first incision and along the outline. Then, take the needle to the left of the center line (4) and exit at (5) which is on the outer line.

Make sure that the stitch points on the outer line are close together to stop visible spaces from forming along the design.

From now you will be stitching to the left and right of the center line and never directly on it. This forms the ridged edge in the center.

3. Start Crossing Over

Cross the needle on the right side of the center line. Insert at (6) and exit at (7) which is on the outer line.

When you pull the needle through you will see how the center stitches cross over each other.

4. Repeat

Repeat all the way down the fishbone stitch leaf. Remember to have a long thread available because this design uses more thread than you expect.

Here is the completed leaf:

Tips for Perfect Fishbone Stitch

• Draw a Center Line First: The center line acts as a guide for the overlapping stitches and helps create the distinctive raised vein effect that makes fishbone stitch so realistic.
• Keep the Outer Stitches Close Together: The stitches along the edge of the design should sit close together. Large gaps can leave visible spaces and make the leaf look uneven.
• Use the Right Number of Floss Strands: Six strands create a bold, textured leaf, while fewer strands produce a finer and more delicate appearance. Choose the thickness based on the look you want to achieve.
• Keep Your Fabric Taut: Using an embroidery hoop helps prevent puckering and keeps the stitches even across the entire leaf shape.
• Use More Thread Than You Expect: Fishbone stitch uses more embroidery floss than many beginners anticipate because the stitches overlap through the center of the design.

Variations of Fishbone Pattern

Fishbone Stitch Flowers

Fishbone stitches can be used for the petals of flowers with pointed ends. It is particularly good for larger embroidery flowers as it gives texture and shape to the petals while minimizing the risk of the longer strands catching.

Open Fishbone Stitch

You can create a more open look by leaving gaps between each stitch. Open fishbone stitch still crosses over each other in the center. The edges of the leaf can be left open or you can backstitch or chain stitch to outline the leaf.

Raised Fishbone Stitch

A raised fishbone stitch has a more three-dimensional and padded appearance compared to the regular version.

Alternatives to Fishbone Stitch

Fishbone stitch is mainly used to create leaves and is one of the best options if you like a very solid look. But you can also use a satin stitch, although it doesn’t have the texture and realism that a fishbone stitch has. Fly stitch is another good option for creating the veins of leaves, while the backstitch is better for outlining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pin for Later

Fishbone Stitch – In Conclusion

Variations to the fishbone stitch make it a very interesting stitch, and the results as a filling stitch will always create interesting looks. It’s definitely a stitch you will get hooked on!

More Embroidery Stitches

1. Blanket Stitch
2. Buttonhole Stitch
3. Chain Stitch
4. Chevron Stitch
5. Couching Stitch
6. Double Herringbone Stitch